and bp's also committed to america. we support nearly 250,000 jobs and invest more here than anywhere else. we're working to fuel america for generations to come. our commitment has never been stronger. >>> w >>> we're back now with the roundtable. "the washington post" associated editor bob woodward is here. julianna goldman is here as well. your first time. welcome. i know you sat down with the president this week, his first interview since the election was over. helene cooper is back, rejoining the conversation. former speaker of the house newt gingrich and host of "the laughed word" on msnbc lawrence o'donnell. welcome to all of you. our former hill insiders. let's get right to it. newt gingrich, what about this proposition? i keep driving based on my own reporting this week, republicans are prepared to deal on tax rates if they can get more on the spending side, particularly medicare. is that where you think the action is right now? >> some republicans are prepared to do more. but as senator durbin just indicated,